Taylor Hennessee

Taylor Hennessee is a medical laboratory sciences major from Cortland, IL

Hometown: Cortland, IL

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received a merit scholarship for maintaining a 4.0 GPA and a Rosebud Scholarship for being a high-achieving student in the College of Health and Human Sciences. Receiving scholarships through NIU has helped me immensely. It has allowed me to work fewer hours and focus more on my studies, and I am incredibly grateful.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher; however, I discovered the field of medical laboratory sciences during COVID and haven’t looked back since.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I chose medical laboratory sciences (MLS) because it’s a very rewarding and in-demand career. I have a very analytical mind and enjoy science and working to solve mysteries. Despite the work being behind the scenes, you know that you’ll make a difference in your patients’ lives.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity? Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
Yes. Initially I worked under Dr. Bill Martin on the Perennial Atlas project. This experience taught me skills in documentation, data collection and collaborating with other sites, since this project was happening nationwide. Since then, I have worked under Dr. Shicheng Chen in his lab, which taught me fundamental skills in molecular and microbiology. The work was hands-on, which I enjoyed, and it allowed me to grow both as a student and a researcher. It interests me because molecular biology is seeing huge advances, and I anticipate it becoming a very important component of diagnosing patients in the future.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Conducting research has instilled fundamental principles in me, such as perseverance, patience and other skills necessary for my future career.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
My career goal is to go into autoimmune disease research in hopes of developing tests that can detect them early, in order to help patients get early intervention treatment to improve outcomes and quality of life. My time in research at NIU has helped me develop critical skills that I will use as a foundation for my future career.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Shicheng Chen has been an outstanding mentor in doing research. He dedicated countless hours over the summer to help train me and has always encouraged me and pushed me to be my best. I also want to thank Dr. Bill Martin for introducing me to research at NIU.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Research is different than any lab class you’ll take. Patience and flexibility are two of the biggest skills you can bring to the table. Things don’t always turn out as anticipated, and sometimes you have to pivot or adapt, but it’s important to know that it’s all part of the journey.

Have you conducted an internship? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes. I was accepted into the Mayo Clinic’s Summer Lab Science Program for the summer of 2026. I will be at their site in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for the summer.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
This internship will place me in a clinical setting where I will assist with tasks while getting to experience what my career in medical laboratory sciences will look like. I will also attend various educational training sessions to apply what I’ve learned at NIU and take it to the next level.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was surprised by how many activities and extracurriculars there are for students around campus. From music to athletics to different student groups, there truly is something for everyone.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I really started connecting with others once I started taking classes in my major. Once you find people with the same or similar interests it’s really easy to form a connection. Bonus points if you share multiple classes because then you can study together.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
The Medical Laboratory Sciences Club introduced me to other students in my field, all with different levels of experience. I am also a part of Kappa Omicron Nu and the National Society for Leadership and Success, which has connected me with like-minded peers, helping foster community and connection and building skills like leadership for future success.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I am so grateful for the help offered by Career Services. They helped me format and polish up my resume and gave me interview tips. Additionally, I’m grateful for the Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning  (OSEEL) and the opportunities they give students through research grants.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Ellen Olsen, who taught AHLS 211: Intro to Medical Lab Sciences, has been a huge part of my success at NIU. She is so passionate about what she does and is always willing to help students succeed.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class has helped me immensely, as professors will often give out case studies and talk over tips for success that aren’t posted to Blackboard. Attending class is paramount to your success, as applying the knowledge you learn helps it stick better than just reading it on your own.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I absolutely adore the Learning Center in Gabel Hall. It’s cozy and quiet, and the staff is so polite.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Definitely make visits to campuses you’re considering and talk to students who currently go there. Additionally, if you’re going into a career that requires licensing, make sure the program meets those requirements. A huge part of why I came to NIU is that the MLS program is NAACLS-certified, meaning I’m eligible to sit for my board exam right after I graduate.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it lets me choose the area I want to grow in, and I get to learn from specialists in the field I’m going into. There are so many different majors to choose from, as well. Every job is needed to help maintain a functional society, and college is one method that helps prepare you for success.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I have a whiteboard in my room with my whole week written out. I dedicate one day a week to family, and I plan out study time based on how many exams I have that week.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I read the “Weekly Scroll of Things to Know” emails sent to students. I also follow different organizations online to make sure I’m notified about any events.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like journaling and going on walks to clear my mind and recharge.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Throughout college I’ve worked at Becky Beck’s Jewelry Store. I love all the people I’ve met there and all of the knowledge I gained, even though I’m not pursuing that field. I also love riding my bike, doing embroidery and learning new skills.